Old french francs

The old French franc, currency of France from 1795 to 2002, marked centuries of economic and cultural history.

About this subject

The French franc was introduced in 1795, during the French Revolution, replacing the livre as the national currency. Its name derived from the Latin inscription 'Francorum Rex' (King of the Franks) on earlier coins. Over its existence, the franc underwent several reforms, the most significant being in 1960 with the creation of the 'new franc' (nouveau franc), worth 100 old francs, aimed at curbing postwar inflation. French banknotes and coins featured iconic figures such as the allegory of the Republic (Marianne), philosophers like Voltaire, and scientists like Marie Curie. The franc also circulated in overseas territories and served as the reference currency for French-speaking African countries via the CFA franc. The franc ended in 2002 with the adoption of the euro, but it is still remembered for its artistic designs and its role as the foundation of the European Monetary Union. Notably, the word 'franc' is still commonly used in France to refer to euro amounts, keeping its legacy alive.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the French franc cease to be used?

The French franc was replaced by the euro on January 1, 2002, when euro banknotes and coins entered circulation. The transition period lasted until February 17, 2002, when the franc lost legal tender status.

Which personalities appeared on French franc banknotes?

French banknotes featured figures such as the philosopher Voltaire, painter Élisabeth Vigée Le Brun, composer Hector Berlioz, physicist Henri Becquerel, and in the latest series, architect and urban planner Eugénie de Montijo (Empress Eugénie). Marianne, the symbol of the Republic, was also common.

What was the symbol of the French franc?

The symbol for the French franc was 'F' or more often 'Fr' before the amount. In everyday language, the ligature '₣' (combining F and R) was sometimes used, but it was not officially standardized by most institutions.